WARNING: The following contains spoilers for Supergirl Season 6, Episode 11, "Mxy in the Middle," which aired Tuesday on The CW.
Supergirl has featured a plethora of characters over the years, from humans to aliens to people somewhere in-between. During that time, the show has taken on a problem that started with other Arrowverse shows. In an attempt to progress character storylines, side characters have either been given superpowers or have become vigilantes, all to have them standing as superheroes alongside the main hero.
Some characters, like Caitlin Snow, were always expected to go the superpower route, thanks to their comic counterparts. Other characters, like Kelly Olsen, were specifically created for the Arrowverse, having no obligation to become like a comic book version of themselves. And some non-powered comic book characters made the cut as well, despite having no obligation to wear a costume. These characters becoming heroes does add an interesting perspective for people who typically act as support, but their treatment in the Arrowverse leaves a lot to be desired.
James "Jimmy" Olsen is the most infamous example of this, becoming the vigilante Guardian on Supergirl. His transition from Superman's best friend and Supergirl's love interest to a hero actually felt right for the character, but his adventures were out of sync with the main plot, unlike Nia's growth in Season 6, which has largely tied into the overarching story. Overall, James' time as a hero came off as more of an afterthought than genuine growth for the character. His time as CEO of CatCo, in the meantime, was overshadowed by his exploits as Guardian, when the storyline could have focused on him using the press and his position as a way to do what the other heroes couldn't.
Another superhero best friend and love interest has recently found themselves in a similar rushed development. Lena Luthor, who has served as a fan favorite human character on Supergirl, just started her own superpowered journey of the mystical sort. In Season 6, Episode 11, "Mxy in the Middle," Lena learned that her mother, Elizabeth Walsh, was part of a witch coven. Florence, a witch in Elizabeth's former coven, tells Lena that she has inherited her mother's magical abilities. Lena has trouble believing this, as she is a scientist, and has always trusted fact and evidence over anything else.
This new development for Lena is already set up to tie back into the main plot thanks to the magical Imp Nyxly being the main antagonist for the second half of Season 6. This removes one flaw that James' storyline suffered from, but doesn't do anything to fix the main issue. Since her introduction to the show Lena has proven herself a capable hero (and villain) in her own right without any of the special abilities of the Superfriends. Lena's newfound magic will likely serve as the catalyst that tips the battle against Nyxly in the heroes' favor. Yet in the process of serving the show's plot, Supergirl is taking the focus away from Lena's relatable human problems and feelings.
Lena will probably go through a journey of connecting with her mother through her magical powers, but that's a journey already happening with Nia. Repeating the same arc doesn't add any to Lena's character. Having to come to terms with her mother not being who Lena thought she was is a relatable storyline, but adding in the magical elements veers it straight back on the superhero track. With all the fantastical things happening in the world of the Arrowverse, Lena served as one of the few true human connections fans of Supergirl could always relate to. Lena's magic will ultimately serve more purpose to the overall story, but it won't necessarily make Lena better or complete her own personal journey as a woman looking to find some angels among the demons of her past.
New episodes of Supergirl air Tuesdays on the CW.
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